Forum examines Burnie’s forestry future

The council recently hosted a forum with key stakeholders in the private forests sector, to get a greater understanding of the current issues and opportunities for future growth for the industry.

With a large proportion of land in the Burnie municipality used for private forest plantations and associated activities, and a heritage of forest and timber industry, Burnie City Council acknowledges the importance of the forest industry as a vital sector in the future economic prosperity of the region.

Of particular interest is understanding: the current global context for forestry; the opportunities for value adding to current forest activities; infrastructure issues for the sector; regulatory issues for the sector; workforce and training issues and research opportunities.

Representatives from UTAS, ARC Centre for Forest Value, the Department of State Growth, Forico, Pentarch Forestry, and Forestry Tasmania presented insightful information regarding their role in the forest industry.

One of the key outcomes of this forum is that the council is now better positioned to advocate on behalf of the sector to both federal and state governments and other key stakeholders.

The recent announcement by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) that they are furthering their plans to establish a timber mill in Burnie is welcomed by the council and we look forward to working with all parties to progress this significant investment. The council has discussed the proposal with ASH.

The council will be considering the 2017/18 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates at tonight’s Council Meeting. The meeting starts at 7pm at the Council Chambers, and everyone is welcome to attend.